Mick Schumacher admits the most striking revelation of his early IndyCar experience has been the championship’s “raw” and refreshingly old-school atmosphere, as he prepares for his first full campaign in 2026 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Four months have passed since Schumacher made his series debut in a test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, and nearly three since his full-time deal was confirmed. Since then, the German has completed two road-course tests and one oval outing, most recently joining the bulk of the field for a two-day session at Sebring International Raceway.
“I really like the way people work here,” Schumacher reflected trackside at Sebring. “It’s very raw. It feels a bit old-school, but I enjoy that. There’s a really nice flair to it.” He highlighted the openness of the RLL operation, recalling that even before his contract was signed, the team had been welcoming and transparent during his initial Indianapolis test in October 2025. “It was the first day where I felt we were setting off to enjoy the year.”
Adjusting to a Different Surface Philosophy
A significant adaptation lies not merely in machinery but in circuit character. Schumacher’s recent career has been rooted in highly sanitised, FIA Grade 1 venues through his time in Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship. By contrast, Sebring—classified as FIA Grade 2—presents a patchwork surface with visibly differing grip levels corner to corner.
“In other series, you’re used to consistent tarmac,” he explained. “Here, because we have patch after patch, every corner is different. I’m still getting used to what is the car and what is the track.”
That learning curve will extend across IndyCar’s diverse calendar, which in 2026 is evenly split across three disciplines.
2026 IndyCar Schedule Breakdown
| Track Type | Number of Races | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Road Courses | 6 | Mixed surfaces, technical layouts |
| Temporary Street Circuits | 6 | Bumpy, low grip, close walls |
| Ovals | 6 | High speed, pack racing, strategy-heavy |
The season opens on 1 March with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Florida streets—a venue Schumacher regards as an ideal curtain-raiser.
The Oval Unknown
While road and street circuits hold familiar traits, oval racing represents entirely new territory. Schumacher has already sampled the discipline in a private test at Homestead, but an upcoming full-field session at Phoenix Raceway will introduce the added complexity of traffic and “dirty air”.
“There are overtaking opportunities that arise which you don’t actually want to take,” he noted, alluding to the strategic nuance of oval racing. “That’s something I have to learn.”
To accelerate that process, RLL has enlisted eight-time IndyCar race winner Ryan Briscoe as a driver coach, with particular emphasis on guiding the rookie. Schumacher will also draw upon the experience of team-mates Graham Rahal and Louis Foster.
“I have Graham, I have Louis, and I have Ryan there to help me,” Schumacher said. “Overall, I’m just very excited to get going.”
For a driver raised in the structured environment of Formula 1, IndyCar’s blend of unpredictability, mechanical variation and wheel-to-wheel intensity may require adaptation—but, by his own admission, it is precisely that unvarnished character which has already won him over.